SANDF to support SAPS in KwaZulu-Natal until 30 November
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of 510 SANDF members to KwaZulu-Natal from 9 October to 30 November 2026 to support police during planned marches and possible unrest.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorized a deployment of 510 SANDF members to KwaZulu-Natal province from October 9 to November 30, 2026, to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) during planned marches and address potential unrest. This decision, outlined in a letter to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza on October 21, 2026, stems from the violence that ensued following anti-immigration protests in the region.
The SANDF soldiers will work alongside the SAPS to maintain law and order during marches protesting illegal immigration. The deployment is a response to a recent Constitutional Court ruling in the case of Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town and Another v Minister of Home Affairs and Others, which amplified misinformation and contributed to the incidents of violence during the protests.
President Ramaphosa emphasized that this deployment aims to ensure public safety and prevent the escalation of violence. The deployment is projected to cost the state approximately R34,082,720.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
